Chicago clergy kick off funeral services with tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson

Deborah Cosey-Lane couldn't help but grow emotional as she listened to clergy from across Chicago honor Rev. Jesse Jackson’s life and legacy during a heartfelt tribute Saturday morning at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

“I still have life in me because I have hope,” said Cosey-Lane, 60. “That hope was instilled because the reverend kept pouring it in when I looked like I was empty and like I was hopeless.”

Cosey-Lane was one of dozens who gathered for Rainbow PUSH’s Saturday morning forum kicking off funeral services for Jackson, who died peacefully Tuesday at the age of 84.

Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1970.

Cosey-Lane met Jackson in 2016 after moving from St. Louis to Chicago and said he was instrumental in helping her “fight for herself.” She met the civil rights icon when she served as a leader in the Amalgamated Transit Union, and said he stood with them as they pushed for stronger contracts.

“And as a woman surrounded by men in leadership, he always encouraged me to not listen to the noise and always keep your faith,” said Cosey-Lane.

During the tribute, clergy from across the city gave tribute to Jackson by sharing stories of the reverend’s impact.

Rev. Michael Eaddy of the People’s Church of the Harvest in East Garfield Park said Jackson inspired him to take social action.

“He inspired me in my role and as a pastor not to be confined to my church building nor to my congregants only, but to make an impact on my community and people at large,” said Eaddy.

Jackson rose to prominence in the 1960s as a protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.. The reverend joined King’s cause and carried that mission to Chicago, where he championed key causes of the Civil Rights Movement, including racial equality, economic justice and human rights.

“He was my hero. He was my mentor,” said Eaddy.

Jackson’s wife, Jacqueline Jackson, and children sat in the front row during the forum while members of the community filled almost every seat in Rainbow PUSH’s South Side auditorium.

Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain said the best way to honor Jackson was to continue to “keep hope alive,” the signature rallying cry of the late reverend.

“Dr. King gave us a dream and he spoke of a dream,” said Bates-Chamberlain, executive director of Live Free Illinois. “The Rev. Jackson spoke of hope.”

Demetrice Pearson, 62, said she would “keep hope alive” by serving her community and teaching others about Jackson.

“He gave his life to helping people and serving people,” said Pearson, a member of Rainbow PUSH.

Services will continue as Jackson lies in state Thursday, Feb. 26, and Friday, Feb. 27, at Rainbow PUSH’s Kenwood headquarters at 930 E. 50th St. The services both days will start at 10 a.m.

His remains will then travel to South Carolina and Washington D.C. from March 1-5.

A “People’s Celebration” in Chicago will be held at 10 a.m. March 6, at House of Hope, 752 E. 114th St. Doors open at 9 a.m.

Private homegoing services are scheduled for 10 a.m. March 7, at Rainbow PUSH. Doors open at 8 a.m., with limited capacity.